More or Less: Behind the Stats Did Mussolini make the trains run on time?
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Dec 21, 2024 
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at NYU and author of the bestseller Strongman, dives into the myth behind Mussolini's famous claim that he made the trains run on time. She examines how this narrative shaped Italy's image during his dictatorship. Discover how Mussolini's regime manipulated the railway system and media to promote a façade of efficiency while often neglecting local services. Ben-Ghiat reveals the complex reality of Mussolini's propaganda, illustrating the stark contrast between elite train services and the actual state of public transport.
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Mussolini's Punctuality Propaganda
- Mussolini's regime claimed he improved train punctuality as a key selling point.
- This was part of a larger propaganda effort to portray him as a modernizer.
American Newspaper's Perspective
- An article from the Prescott Arizona Evening Courier praised the improved punctuality under Mussolini.
- It attributed this to discipline and the presence of special policemen.
Tourist Train Prioritization
- Mussolini prioritized the punctuality of tourist lines.
- This created a positive impression among visitors, despite the regime's oppressive nature.
